Functional Nanomaterials: From Basic Science to Emerging Applications

Abstract

Moores law predicts the reduction of the device elements size and the advancement of physics with time for the next generation microelectronic industries. Materials and devices sizes and enriched physics are strongly correlated phenomena. Everyday physics moves a step forward from microscale classical physics toward nanoscale quantum phenomenon. Similarly, the vast micro/nanoelectronics needs advancement in growth and characterization techniques and unexplored physics to cope with the 21stcentury market demands. The continuous size reduction of devices stimulates the researchers and technocrats to work on nanomaterials and devices for the next generation technology. The semiconductor industry is also facing the problem of size limitation and has followed Moores law which predicts 16 nm nodes for next generation microelectronic industries. Nanometer is known as the 10 times of an Angstrom unit, where it is common consensus among the scientists that any materials and devices having physical dimensions less than 1000 times of an Angstrom will come under the umbrella of Nanotechnology. This review article focuses on the fundamental aspects of nanoscale materials and devices: (i) definitions and different categories of nanomaterials, (ii) quantum scale physics and technology, (iii) self-assembed nanostructures, (iv) growth conditions and techniques of 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D dimensional materials, (v) understanding of the multifunctionalities of the nanomaterials, (vi) nanoscale devices for low energy consumption and fast response, (vii) integration of nanoscale materials with Si-based systems, and (viii) major technical challenges.